Words of Wisdom for Navigating Alberta's Roadways

WINTER DRIVING TIPS

Winter driving can present troublesome challenges for even the most diligent of drivers. But, equipped with a crumb of enlightenment, and a barrel of patience, your car won't go slip sliding down in the ditch or curb climbing. Here is a compilation of tips and rules from Tom and Ray Magliozzi's Web site known as Car Talk and excerpts from the Department of Transportation's "Roads of Winter."

When driving in the snow, do everything slowly. Even if you maintain control of your car, not everyone else will. So, don't get lulled into a false sense of security. Do everything slowly and gently. Remember, in the snow, the tires just barely grab the road. Accelerate slowly and gently, turn slowly and gently and brake slowly and gently. To do this, you have to anticipate turns and stops, slowing down enough to make turns before you get to them, leaving plenty of distance between you and other cars. Rapid movements lead to skids and loss of control. If you feel your car starting to slide, pump the pedal to slow the car if you have standard brakes. If you have antilock brakes, don't pump, but apply slow steady pressure. If your car starts to skid, slowly let up on the accelerator and steer into the skid.

If you are nervous about driving in winter, consider spending some time practicing. Go to an empty parking lot and try sending the car into a little skid on purpose. Slam on the brakes, then practice turning into the skid and see what happens--and practice until you are comfortable regaining control of the car. The more comfortable you are maintaining control and regaining control, the better a winter driver you'll be.

If you get stuck, use the transmission and pushers (if available) to moderately rock the car until you start to grip. Use sand, gravel, blankets, clothes, kitty litter or whatever you have for traction under the wheels.

Very often winter rain freezes immediately, and creates "black ice". If the road looks like it is wet, think "ice" instead.

You can't see through the snow, so take some extra time to make sure your car is clean and your visibility is good. Clear off the entire car, not just a peephole in the windshield. You need more visibility in poor conditions, to keep an eye out for other vehicles/obstacles in your path. In cases of bad visibility reduce your speed, use your low beam lights, use the roadside reflector posts as guides, and pull off at rest stops until better visibility if possible.

Stay out of the way snowplows. Do not try to pass them, especially if a cloud of snow has been kicked up, blocking your visibility.

If you have to stop, stay with your car if you are not close to shelter or help. Turn on the engine from time to time, leaving the window open a crack. Make sure your car is as far off the driving surface as possible.

Wear your seatbelt.

"Do or do not. There is no try . . . to be a good Winter Driver."

Yoda, 'The Empire Strikes Back'

Shut off your heater/defroster controls at night to help stop snow and moisture from entering the system.
Before you set off, clean ice and snow off all windows, lights, hood and roof. Take care to clear the fresh air ducts, typically located at the back of the hood by the windshield. It will reduce fogging on the inside.
It can take 3 to 12 times longer to stop in wintry conditions. The distance between you and the car ahead is the most important factor you can control outside the vehicle. Leave more space than you normally would.
Be wary of shaded areas, bridges and overpasses. They freeze over first and thaw last; even long after the sun has come up. Watch for black ice.
In wintry conditions slow down, drive relaxed, and avoid abrupt steering, braking or acceleration.
In whiteouts or fog always use your low beams. If visibility is down to zero, slow to a crawl, put on your flashing lights, and get off the road to a safe area as soon as possible.
Winter puts extra demands on you and your car. Before the cold weather strikes you should have your car winterized for your own safety and protection.
Change to your snow tires or have the tread depth checked on your all weather radials well before the freeze sets in.
Have the engine tuned-up.
Change the oil to a lightweight multigrade oil.
Check water hoses and the exhaust system for leaks.
Check the battery making sure terminals are cleaned and greased.
Check the anti-freeze level.
Check your supply of windshield washer fluid and the condition of your wiper blades.
Have your brakes checked.
Always keep your fuel tank at least half full.
Make sure all lights are functioning properly.
Carry a survival kit.
Avoid stopping on the shoulder. Exit to a service stop, or similar "safe" area.

These above driving tips from the Partners in Safety booklet, which was published by the Ontario Trucking Association. Expert instructors of the DSAO have carefully vetted all of these tips.